I received samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Love to snack? Try these Banana Bliss Balls for a wholesome snack that will satisfy your sweet cravings. They are packed with banana, oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. {gluten free, vegan, dairy free}
Are you team sweet or team savory? I am team sweet all the way especially when nuts and chocolate chips are involved. They are a match made in heaven!
These Banana Bliss Balls are loaded with California walnuts which we love around here. Walnuts are a versatile snack and can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet. Did you know that walnuts are the only source of the plant-based omega-3, ALA? Wholesome goodness! Not only that but they provide protein and fiber in each bite.
These Banana Bliss Balls are easily made with only a few ingredients that you are likely to have on hand. They do require some rolling but I promise that won't take long. Having a hearty delicious snack at the ready will make all the work worth it!
Ingredients
- Gluten Free Oats - I like Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats. They are certified gluten free.
- Banana - Use a ripe banana for the best sweet flavor.
- California Walnuts - So delicious and loaded with nutrients.
- Coconut Oil - These provide healthy fats and I love the flavor they add to these snack balls.
- Pure Maple Syrup - You can also use honey if you prefer.
- Gluten Free Chocolate Chips - Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips are the best!
- Salt
Instructions
Step 1 - Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a food processor and pulse a few times until it all starts to blend together.
Step 2 - Stir in chocolate chips.
Step 3 - Using a medium scooper or a spoon scoop out even sized amounts and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Step 4 - Freeze for about 30 minutes.
Step 5 - Optional: Add a chocolate drizzle by mixing coconut oil and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stopping often to stir. Drizzle over balls and freeze again to set them.
I highly encourage you to make the chocolate drizzle. It pulls all the flavors together and makes this wholesome snack slightly indulgent. Treat yourself!
Storage
I prefer to store mine in the refrigerator in a glass container for several days, however, you can also keep them in the freezer. If stored on the counter, they will become soft, and the chocolate drizzle will begin to melt. If you are putting them in your lunch to take to work or taking them on a trip, I would store them in the freezer. By the time noon rolls around, these treats will be perfect!
Substitutions and Tips
If you don't like maple syrup feel free to use honey as it works just as well in this recipe.
If you are gluten free, it is important that you get certified gluten free oats. I like to use quick oats in this recipe.
I love Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips as they are gluten free and vegan. Plus they taste great!
Banana Bliss Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free quick oats
- 1 ½ cups California walnuts
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips gluten free and vegan if needed
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except chocolate chips into the food processor and pulse a few times until it starts to come together. Stir in chocolate chips. I like them whole or you can pulse them and they will get chopped up.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to make uniform balls, rolling by hand. Warning: it does get a little sticky. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Freeze for about 30 minutes until they are set.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave checking every 30 seconds and stirring. Drizzle on the Banana Bliss Balls and stick back in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
- You can store these in the refrigerator or the freezer. They will get too soft if you store them on the counter.
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